A Treasure To Be Shared

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Thrones, also known as Ophanim (Hebrew: אוֹפַנִּים ʼōp̄annīm), meaning “wheels,” are described in Ezekiel’s vision of the merkabah (chariot) in Ezekiel 1:15–21. These wheels are connected to Daniel 7:9, where they are called galgal , often described as “the wheels of galgallin ” in a “fiery flame” and “burning fire.” They are shown as four eye-covered wheels, each formed from two nested wheels, moving together with the winged Cherubim beneath God’s throne. The wheels move in harmony with the Cherubim. The Celestial Hierarchy of Dionysius refers to the Thrones from the Old Testament description as the Third Order of the First Sphere, the other two superior orders being the First Order, the Seraphim, and the Second Order, the Cherubim. CHAPTER VII Of the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones, and their first Hierarchy The name of the most glorious and exalted Thrones denotes that which is exempt from and untainted by any base and earthly thing, and the supermundane ascent up the steep. Fo...

The latest response to the document of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF),  Mater Populi Fidelis (MPF), or perhaps the most significant response in terms of quantity of contributors and length of the text, is that of the International Marian Association Theological Commission (IMATC). Athanasius contra mundum? The IMATC response to MPF draws on a range of voices from the past and present. While quoting popes, saints, and theologians can be fitting, simply citing many sources doesn’t guarantee a strong defense—especially if those chosen mostly challenge the official stance, while supportive ones are downplayed or interpreted in ways that diminish their significance. Faith and Morals The significance of a pope’s statements depends on their nature, and while Catholics should take all papal remarks seriously—given the Pope’s role as the successor of Peter—not every decree, letter, or informal comment (e.g. one made during an airplane interview) carries the same weight. T...

The care cloth is regularly seen at Saint John Henry Newman Church, in Victoria, BC, a community of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter. Young couples entering into Holy Matrimony at the Church appreciate the significance of such beautiful rituals that help them acknowledge the profound mystery into which they are entering. In time, perhaps, as more guests witness its use, the care cloth might seen in matrimonial celebrations of the Novus Ordo Mass. Hint, hint.  The nuptial veil, also known as the care cloth or wedding canopy, is an ancient Christian wedding tradition where a cloth is held over the bride and groom during the Nuptial Blessing. Representing the “marriage yoke” that unites them, it’s a rectangular linen or silk sheet, smaller than the Jewish Chuppah, usually white with a red pattern or cord. According to St. Isidore of Seville, the white stands for the purity of Christian and marital love, while the red symbolizes the continuation of the family bloodline. Bene...

In 2025 alone, more than 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, underscoring the intense persecution experienced by Christian communities in the country. Overview of Persecution Nigeria has become one of the most perilous places for Christians, with violence largely fueled by Islamist militant groups like Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. Over the past 14 years, more than 52,250 Christians have been killed due to religious violence, and the situation has only deteriorated in recent years. In 2025, it was reported that 7,087 Christians lost their lives between January and August, averaging approximately 35 killings per day. https://www.mnnonline.org/news/report-shows-thousands-of-christians-killed-in-nigeria-this-year/ Notable Incidents and Statistics https://globalchristianrelief.org/stories/10-nigerian-martyrs-that-show-us-the-power-of-faith/ Deborah Samuel . One of the most prominent cases of martyrdom is that of Deborah Samuel, a 19-year-old student who was killed by a mob for her C...

preach  (v.) - from www.etymonline.com Middle English prechen , "deliver a sermon, proclaim the Gospel," from late Old English predician , a loan word from Church Latin; reborrowed 12c. as preachen , from Old French preechier "to preach, give a sermon" (11c., Modern French précher ), from Late Latin praedicare "to proclaim publicly, announce" (in Medieval Latin "to preach," source also of Spanish predicar ), from Latin prae "before" (from PIE root * per - "forward," hence "in front of, before") + dicare "to proclaim, to say" (from PIE root * deik - "to show," also "pronounce solemnly"). Meaning "give earnest advice, especially on moral subjects" is by 1520s. To preach to the converted is recorded from 1867 (the form preach to the choir attested from 1979). The Role of Preaching in the Church The Catechism explains that preaching is central to the Church’s mission of sharing t...

Glory At The Tomb | WGNC 2025 The Sacred Liturgy constitutes the heart of Catholic worship, encompassing the Church's official, public acts of praise, thanksgiving, and sanctification through which Christ unites Himself with His people. It is not merely a collection of rituals but an encounter with the divine, where the faithful participate in Christ's priestly office, offering themselves in union with His sacrifice. Rooted in Scripture and Tradition, the liturgy—particularly the Eucharist—serves as the "source and summit" of the Church's life, drawing believers into the mystery of salvation and fostering communion with God and one another. God being infinite beauty, the soul united to Christ draws upon himself the admiring and tender gaze of the Angels, who, were they capable of any passion, would be filled with envy at his lot. Pope St. Pius X Immersion in the Eucharistic Liturgy offers the believer an opportunity to grow in holiness, to grow in likeness to the...